International Week of Interdisciplinary Studies and Academic Collaborations in Crete

A substantial delegation of 16 students and four faculty members from HIT Holon Institute of Technology participated in week-long international activities and events at HMU-Hellenic Mediterranean University in Crete.

The diverse group, representing various faculties, was accompanied by lecturers from the School of Multidisciplinary Studies.

Throughout the semester, participants engaged in international courses focusing on social sustainability, soft skills, and entrepreneurship, emphasizing cross-border teamwork.
Following a semester of virtual collaboration via Zoom with students across Europe, this international week in Greece was a culminating experience. Students met their international peers face-to-face for joint workshops, project development, final presentations, and cultural exchanges.

The Inclusive Internationalization course showcased projects demonstrating advanced capabilities in developing entrepreneurial ideas through a multidisciplinary, global approach.

One notable project, in partnership with Handicap International, addressed the ongoing danger of landmines. Students created an innovative e-learning platform utilizing challenges, games, and puzzles to educate users about this critical issue. Handicap International representatives expressed keen interest in integrating this system for employee training and school outreach programs into their website.

Another groundbreaking project, led by Manolis Lourakis, saw students create a virtual supermarket environment using VR technology. This immersive experience aims to help autistic children navigate the often overwhelming task of shopping. The system familiarizes users with the shopping experience while allowing for control over environmental factors such as crowd density and noise levels. Users engage in realistic tasks like product selection, cart navigation, and checkout procedures. This project, a collaboration between students from Israel, Portugal, Belgium, and Greece, garnered significant interest, with a Cretan institute specializing in autism planning to implement and study its therapeutic potential.
These projects exemplify the innovative and impactful work undertaken by international student teams during the week.

A third-year interior design student at HIT, Galia Newman, reflected on the experience: "The welcome we received was both enthusiastic and respectful. Our projects were engaging and educational, exposing us to new programs, tools, and languages. We collaborated on diverse initiatives, from creating games for individuals with autism to developing sustainable agricultural solutions for African communities. Throughout, there was a palpable spirit of teamwork and innovation. The week fostered a sense of camaraderie among Israeli and European partners, offering rich personal and social growth opportunities."

The program also featured lectures and workshops by HIT faculty, who were praised for their innovative approaches. Notable presentations included Prof. Gila Kurtz on AI in academia, Dr. Nava Shaked on evaluating project-based courses, Dr. Elad Segev on practical creativity, and Eli Jacobson on the business model canvas.

This delegation exemplified academic and professional excellence, with students demonstrating exceptional leadership and visionary capabilities. The School of Multidisciplinary Studies continues to forge valuable international connections and collaborations, providing students with invaluable global exposure and experience.

The International Office provided crucial support for student travel and accommodation, underscoring its commitment to fostering international engagement.

This initiative aligns with the Council for Higher Education's directives to internationalize English language use and promote global perspectives in higher education.